What to Do After a Hurricane: Home Systems Checklist

Cloudy or white water coming from your tap is unsettling — but it's usually not dangerous. Here's what causes it and what to do.

The Most Common Cause: Air

Trapped air in your water supply lines is the most frequent cause of cloudy water. It looks milky or white but clears from the bottom of a glass upward within 60 seconds. This is harmless and often resolves on its own.

Hard Water Minerals

High mineral content, especially calcium and magnesium, can cause a cloudy appearance. This is more persistent than air-related cloudiness and doesn't clear on standing.

Sediment

Sediment from aging pipes or a disturbed water main can cause cloudiness with a slightly brown or tan tint. If this persists, contact your water utility and consider a filtration system.

What to Do

Fill a clear glass and wait 60 seconds. If it clears from the bottom up, it's air — harmless. If it stays cloudy or has a tint, call Air & Energy's licensed plumbers at 941-778-0773 to discuss a water filtration or softener solution.

Air & Energy's licensed plumbers serve all of Manatee County. Learn about plumbing services or call (941) 778-0773.